As of 1 June the Operations department of MSF/OCA is looking for an Operations Manager.

The Operations team is responsible for managing our field missions/countries. In this team, the Operations Managers are end responsible for the strategy, resource allocation, operationalisation, security, quality and advocacy of the medical humanitarian programs in a number of missions/countries.

Position within the organisation
The Operations Manager reports to the Director of Operations. In this position you line manage an Operations advisor and an Operations officer, as well as a group of Country directors (Heads of missions of 4-7 countries). Indirectly you line manage approx. 100 international staff and 2500 local staff with a total budget of approx. 45 million euro. Operationally you also coordinate the members of the operations support team (Health Advisors, Logistics Advisors, 2 HR Advisors finance, communication and advocacy advisors for the portfolio) in close collaboration with the Operations Advisor.

Objectives of the position
The main objectives of the position of Operations Manager are:

  • Overall management and realisation of the portfolio of (field) operations. Within the portfolio you have the end-responsibility for quality and implementation of field operations, policy and strategy, security, communications, human resources, logistics, finance as well as of initiating response, observation, closure, monitoring and evaluation of field operations. The portfolio for this position contains the countries Nigeria, Jordan, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar and Bangladesh. This can change.
  • Significant contribution to the overall development and steering of OCA operations globally.
  • Promotes and initiates the critical reflection/learning within and outside OCA.

Main characteristics
Strategy & Leadership

  • Providing strategic steer and support to country managers to ensure medical, humanitarian and advocacy priorities and translate ambitions into effective operational strategies.
  • Actively contributes to policy and strategy related to both the MSF OCA Operations as well as the support processes of the organisation, including duty of care, responsible behaviour and security management.
  • Visits each country/project to review programme direction, quality, and develops strategies, on a regular basis.
  • Line manages the Heads of Missions, Operations Advisor and Operations Officer and carries out the HRM policy regarding performance, absence, mobility etc.

Management & quality portfolio

  • Identifies and initiates operational activities or their closure.
  • Decides on security incidents if/when these occur, informs line management as required and participates in critical incident management teams as required and requested.
  • Ensures appropriate planning and resource management in line with OCA policies, guidelines and plans.
  • Contributes proactively to debate, critical reflection and learning within the MSF-OCA Operations-Platform and the wider organisation.
  • Stimulates awareness of emerging humanitarian crisis affecting populations in the countries covered and ensures an appropriate response.

Cooperation & networking

  • Participates in or leads OCA wide working groups and platforms as a representative of the Operations Department if required.
  • Optimises cooperation and communication with:

    • relevant actors on structural problems regarding the operations to enhance the collaboration/consultation between field operations and head office;
    • stakeholders in the organisation on MSF values and principles as a humanitarian-, medical- and volunteer-organisation to promote these;
    • external stakeholders on various matters to establish and maintain an effective relationship;
    • various platforms on operational matters to keep them informed, to advocate and to represent MSF OCA.

We are looking for
A candidate with a strong sense of the MSF mission who

  • has at least 5 years of field experience in (medical) emergency aid in complex humanitarian contexts with MSF (or a comparable organisation)
  • and at least 3 years in a relevant management position;
  • has strong proven skills in management and leadership and who can act as a coach and inspire staff;
  • is capable of directing people of various disciplines and cultural backgrounds over time and distance;
  • has gained experience with a range of issues and responsibilities within the respective organisation, such as security management, policy formulation, financial and human resource management;
  • takes initiative and decisions and comes up with a vision based on his/her own judgment;
  • is capable of conceptual and analytical thinking, who is result oriented and has proven skills to translate concepts into practice;
  • has good communication skills, including media and presentation skills (are essential), as well as an excellent command of English. Knowledge of French, Arabic or Spanish would be an advantage;
  • a medical profile is welcome, but not a necessity;
  • is willing to work long and irregular hours and travel (approx 30%) at short notice.

We offer
A challenging position within a stimulating, professional working environment in a major international organisation.

A Dutch employment contract from 1 June 2021, based on 40 hours per week. The contract is for three years with a renewal option of a maximum of three years (subject to satisfactory performance) based on a fulltime appointment.

A gross monthly salary in scale 10 between € 5,038 and € 7,193 depending on relevant professional experience and based upon a 40-hour working week.

Attractive secondary benefits (e.g. premium free pension, 30 holidays).

This vacancy is archived.

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